Are Crib Rail Covers Safe? A Parent’s Guide to Teething Guards, Safety & Best Picks

Crib rail covers are safe when securely attached and free from loose fabric or choking hazards.

Choose breathable, well-fitted covers that meet safety standards to prevent suffocation or entanglement.

Regularly inspect covers for wear and ensure they remain tightly fastened as your baby grows.

As a parent, ensuring your baby’s safety is your top priority, especially during the teething phase when little ones start gnawing on anything within reach including their crib rails.

The safety of crib rail covers, their role in protecting your baby and crib, the best materials and brands (like Liz and Roo and Gummi Crib Guard), and practical tips for choosing and using them effectively.

Whether you’re navigating the teething stage or planning for a safe transition to a toddler bed, this article has you covered.

What Are Crib Rail Covers, and Are They Safe?

Crib rail covers are protective barriers designed to cover the rails of a crib, preventing babies from chewing on hard surfaces during teething.

Unlike crib bumpers, which are padded linings that wrap around the inside of a crib and pose a suffocation risk, crib rail covers are safe when used correctly and securely installed.

They are typically made from soft, non-toxic materials like fabric, silicone, or soft plastic and attach firmly to the crib rails with ties, Velcro, or adhesive strips.

Key Safety Points:

Not a Suffocation Risk: Crib rail covers sit on top of the rails, not inside the crib, so they don’t interfere with safe sleep practices when properly secured.
Non-Toxic Materials: All commercially sold cribs in the U.S. use non-toxic paint, so biting the rail isn’t toxic but it can still damage the crib and expose babies to wood splinters or varnish. Crib rail covers provide a safer chewing surface.
FDA-Approved Options: Look for covers made from FDA-approved, phthalate-free, BPA-free, and latex-free materials like silicone or soft plastic for maximum safety. The Gummi Crib Rail Cover, for example, is a popular choice made from non-toxic, rubber-like material.
Secure Installation: Covers with ties (like Liz and Roo’s button-hole design) or adhesive (like the Gummi Crib Guard) ensure a snug fit, reducing the risk of detachment. Avoid covers with buttons, as they can pose a choking hazard.

Crib Rail Covers vs. Crib Bumpers: It’s critical to distinguish between crib rail covers and crib bumpers.

Bumpers, which line the inside of the crib, are not recommended due to suffocation risks and lack of evidence that they prevent serious injuries.

Rail covers, however, are a safe alternative that protect only the top and sides of the rails, leaving the crib’s interior open and breathable.

Why Use Crib Rail Covers? Teething Protection and More

Babies typically begin teething between 6 and 12 months, and crib rails often become their go-to chewing surface.

This can lead to damaged cribs, potential splinters, and discomfort for your baby’s tender gums.

Crib rail covers address these issues by offering:

Teething Protection: Covers create a soft, chewable surface that soothes gums and prevents babies from ingesting wood, varnish, or paint splinters. Silicone options, like the Gummi Crib Rail Cover or Prince Lionheart’s railGUARD, are particularly gentle on gums.
Crib Preservation: Convertible cribs, which transition to toddler or full-sized beds, are a significant investment. Rail covers protect the rails from bite marks, ensuring the crib remains in good condition for years.
Aesthetic Appeal: Many covers, such as those from Liz and Roo, come in stylish patterns and can be monogrammed, adding a decorative touch to the nursery.

Types of Crib Rail Covers and Top Brands

Crib rail covers come in various styles and materials, each suited to different needs and crib designs.

Here’s a breakdown of the main types and some trusted brands:

Types of Crib Rail Covers

Top Rail Only Covers: These cover the front rail of the crib, ideal for babies who primarily chew on the front. Example: BreathableBaby Mesh RailGuard (18″ x 51″).
4-Piece Cover Sets: These include one long panel for the front rail and three shorter panels for the sides, offering full coverage. Example: Prince Lionheart’s railGUARD (four 12″ sections).
Front Rail Covers with Ties or Velcro: These are typically fabric-based, padded, and secured with ties or Velcro for a snug fit. Liz and Roo’s covers use button-hole ties for added safety.
Silicone or Soft Plastic Covers: These are durable, easy to clean, and often FDA-approved. The Gummi Crib Rail Cover uses double-sided adhesive for secure attachment.

Top Brands to Consider

Liz and Roo: Known for their safety-focused design, Liz and Roo crib rail covers feature button-hole ties to prevent detachment and are made from washable, padded fabric. They offer a generous 18″ depth for full rail coverage and can be monogrammed.
Gummi Crib Rail Cover (KidKusion): A non-toxic, BPA-free, rubber-like cover that’s easy to install with 3M adhesive tape. It’s trimmable for a custom fit and made in the USA.
BreathableBaby Mesh RailGuard: Made with patented breathable mesh, these covers are lightweight, secure with hook-and-loop straps, and include a pocket for pacifiers or teethers.
Prince Lionheart railGUARD: FDA-approved, phthalate-free soft plastic covers that slip over the rail without adhesives, offering easy cleaning and full protection.
Bacati and Biloban: Both offer 100% cotton or microfiber options with hypoallergenic padding, certified by OEKO-TEX for safety.

Material Options

Cloth/Fabric: Soft, washable, and padded for comfort, often made from cotton or microfiber. Look for OEKO-TEX certification to ensure they’re free of harmful chemicals.
Silicone/Soft Plastic: Durable, non-toxic, and easy to clean, ideal for heavy chewers. FDA-approved options like the Gummi Crib Guard are highly recommended.
Linen or Natural Fibers: Hypoallergenic and eco-friendly, these are great for babies with sensitive skin. Etsy sellers often offer custom linen covers.
Breathable Mesh: Lightweight and safe, mesh covers (like BreathableBaby’s) reduce the risk of overheating while protecting rails.

Addressing Controversies and Community Concerns

Some parents express concerns about crib rail covers, with opinions on platforms like Reddit suggesting they might pose risks similar to crib bumpers.

For example, a Reddit user in r/moderatelygranolamoms worried about a silicone cover’s safety and material quality, citing a strange smell.

These concerns often stem from confusion between rail covers and bumpers or from low-quality products.

Reassurance with Facts:

Expert-backed safety guidelines, like those from the American Academy of Pediatrics, confirm that properly installed crib rail covers are safe and distinct from bumpers, which are not recommended.
Always choose reputable brands with certifications (e.g., FDA-approved, OEKO-TEX, or BPA-free) to avoid low-quality materials.
Check for secure attachment methods (ties through button holes, adhesive, or Velcro) to ensure the cover stays in place.
Wash fabric covers before use and regularly during teething to maintain hygiene, as drool can accumulate.

Usage Tips for Safety and Longevity

To maximize safety and effectiveness, follow these tips:

Secure Installation: Ensure ties are knotted tightly (e.g., Liz and Roo’s button-hole design) or adhesive is properly applied (e.g., Gummi Crib Guard). Check periodically to ensure the cover hasn’t loosened.
Regular Cleaning: Fabric covers should be machine-washable; consider buying a spare for convenience. Silicone covers can be wiped down or dishwasher-safe.
Check Compatibility: Measure your crib rails to choose the right size (e.g., 51″ for front rails, 27″ for side rails). Some brands, like BreathableBaby, offer adjustable straps for a universal fit.
Eco-Friendly and Hypoallergenic Options: For sensitive babies, opt for natural fibers like cotton or linen, certified by OEKO-TEX or similar standards.
Transition to Toddler Bed: Rail covers remain useful during the crib-to-toddler-bed transition, protecting rails as toddlers climb or chew.

Are Crib Skirts and Rail Covers Decorative or Essential?

Crib skirts and rail covers are both decorative and functional.

Skirts add a polished look to the nursery while hiding under-crib storage, and rail covers protect both baby and crib while enhancing the aesthetic.

Ensure neither is loose or interferes with the sleep environment.

Monogrammed rail covers from brands like Liz and Roo can personalize the nursery, making them a popular choice for style-conscious parents.

Choosing the Best Crib Rail Cover for Your Baby

When selecting a crib rail cover, consider:

Safety Certifications: Look for FDA-approved, phthalate-free, or OEKO-TEX-certified materials.
Material Preference: Silicone for durability, fabric for softness, or mesh for breathability.
Fit and Installation: Ensure the cover fits your crib’s dimensions and has secure attachment methods.
Ease of Maintenance: Washable fabric or easy-to-clean silicone is ideal for teething babies.
Style and Budget: Brands like Liz and Roo offer customizable designs, while budget-friendly options are available at retailers like Walmart or Amazon.

Final Thoughts

Crib rail covers are a safe, practical solution for protecting your teething baby and preserving your crib’s condition.

Unlike crib bumpers, they pose no suffocation risk when properly installed and are made from non-toxic materials like silicone, soft plastic, or certified fabrics.

Brands like Liz and Roo, Gummi Crib Guard, and BreathableBaby offer reliable options with safety-focused features.

By choosing a high-quality, securely attached cover and following proper usage guidelines, you can ensure a safe and stylish nursery environment for your little one.

For more information on crib safety, check out the American Academy of Pediatrics’ safe sleep guidelines or explore trusted retailers like Liz and Roo and BreathableBaby for top-rated crib rail covers.